Morris Lawrence Bayard Jr.

Our beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather passed from this life on June 24, 2022 at the age of 87 after a valiant battle with lung cancer. He touched many lives with his keen intellect and wit.

The oldest of four children, Morris was born in New Iberia, Louisiana on February 9, 1935 to Morris and Emily Bayard. As a curious and intelligent child, Morris grew up close to family in a small town. He excelled at just about anything he tried. He and his parents moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1937, and the family welcomed another son with Morris becoming big brother to Wayne Anthony Bayard. His youngest brother, Kenneth Gabriel Bayard was born in 1942. Morris spent his formative years growing up in Lake Charles and graduated from Landry Memorial High School in 1952.

Morris attended McNeese State University, the University of Houston and the University of Chicago (Management School). He took his knowledge of chemistry to the laboratory in a corporate world, Murray Rubber, a Mead Company. In 1972, he was promoted to Vice President, General Manager Spencer Division at Murray Rubber. During his time at Murray Rubber, Morris worked with ITT Blackburn engineering staff in St. Louis, MO and General Electric in Pittsfield, MA in the development of high voltage underground residential electricity. After many years, in 1976 he ventured out on his own and started a custom rubber manufacturing business, Bayou City Rubber. A large oilfield manufacturer (Hydril) recognized the abilities of Bayou City Rubber and then purchased this successful business. Morris signed a 5 year non-compete management contract to stay on with Hydril and guide the company’s continued success. Upon completion of the non-compete in January 1984 he retired. Being bored and having already played enough golf and fishing, he opened Applied Rubber Technology, Inc. (ART). True to his reputation, and after 13 successful years with this business he sold this business to UTEX Industries.

His inventive curiosity laid groundwork for many rubber recipes which would be instrumental in the formulation of various rubber manufactured products utilized throughout the oilfield, transportation, marine and food industries. This knowledge, which remained strong throughout his life, afforded him the reputation as a subject matter expert. His experience and years of hands-on work added to the success within these various industries. He then truly retired and enjoyed all that this new chapter had to offer.

Morris was an avid golfer and his enthusiasm of the sport took him to play many different courses across Texas, The United States, Canada and Mexico. He had a hole-in one on Hole 16 at April Sound Country Club on February 28, 2000. He also enjoyed the sport of bowling and played as a league member for many years up to his passing.

Those who knew Morris well, understood his competitive side. When he entered a golf tournament or bowling league, his enthusiasm was to finish first. However, this wasn’t only in golf and bowling events. As a young man he once raced a car. While he didn’t finish first, it was an event that left an impression driving him to always seek achievement. He also participated in thoroughbred horse racing. The horses’ name was Con Girl. She did win some races, but not enough to be in the Derby. He had numerous experiences he would share with anyone telling stories of his years mixing rubber at a mill, supervising a laboratory, and even managing a corporation. He stood strong on his convictions and the rights of human life.

Morris’ determination and stamina remained remarkable up to his passing. He is predeceased by his father, mother, and both his brothers. Leaving behind to cherish his memories are his wife of 27 years Tammie, his daughters, Colleen and husband Brad Finch of Montgomery, Texas, Karen Bayard-Hon of College Station, Texas and Cindy Hoover of Montgomery, Texas along with his half-sister Deborah and husband Timothy Cassidy of Jennings, Louisiana.

Morris embraced the joy of 6 beautiful grandchildren, Sean and wife Kate Finch, Stephanie and husband Ryan Flencher, Chayne and wife Sarah Finch, Ryan and wife Melody Hon, Justin Hon and Jessica and husband Ethan Deiss. To continue his legacy are 10 great-grandchildren, James and William Finch, Brady, Sloane and Eli Flencher, Kylie and Lincoln Finch, Gweneth and Penelope Hon and Ivie Deiss.

His wife, Tammie, will remember decorating the various seasons of the year, especially 950 Bentwater Drive – Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Halloween – loved to decorate.

His children will remember him as Daddy – first as their father, then supporter of their dreams and always his unconditional love.

His grandchildren and great grandchildren will remember him as PaPaw and cherish the photos and memories as told by their grandmothers and parents.

A visitation with family will be held at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at Metcalf Funeral Directors, 1801 E. White Oak Terrace, Conroe, Texas 77304.

Carrying Morris to his eternal resting place at Rosewood Memorial Park in Humble, Texas at 2:00 p.m. will be Archie Davis, Chayne Finch, Sean Finch, Ryan Flencher, Justin Hon, Champe Miller, Earl Siders.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests memorial contributions may be directed to: Allumine Hospice, 1144 Midtown Drive, College Station, Texas 77845 or American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or by calling 1-800-227-2345